Rep. Mann, FFA Caucus Honors National FFA Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, led 58 of their colleagues in introducing a resolution to designate February 21-28 as National FFA Week. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“Happy National FFA Week,” said Rep. Mann. “This week, more than one million FFA members will reflect on the impact of the National FFA Organization and its role in shaping the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture. Those of us who have had the honor of wearing the blue jacket understand the lasting impact FFA has on molding and equipping young leaders to succeed. Across the country, FFA members will fulfill our motto—‘Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve’— through service projects, educational showcases, and engagement in their communities. As a past chapter FFA officer from Quinter, Kansas, proud FFA alumnus, and founder of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I’m honored to introduce this resolution.”
“Our nation is yearning and ready for the next generation of young farmers, ranchers, and producers to continue the United States’ agricultural leadership,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital contributions of the National FFA Organization in training leaders who are ready to bolster both American food security and innovation. I am proud to once again work with my FFA Caucus co-chair, Representative Mann, to support the men and women who proudly wear the blue jacket so that they can help move our agriculture and our country forward.”
“Thanks to FFA, more young people have opportunities to pursue careers in agriculture and related fields,” said Chairman Thompson. “Agriculture provides the food, fiber, and fuel that keeps America going, but it will be nothing without the next generation. I am proud to celebrate FFA and all it does to inspire and encourage our youth.”
“I am proud to once again cosponsor the National FFA Week resolution, which recognizes the vital role this education and leadership play in shaping the next generation of agriculture leaders,” said Rep. Issa. “California is home to more than a million Future Farmers of America students, and they are demonstrating the energy and enthusiasm to safeguard our nation’s lands and preserve them for years to come.”
“Montana is home to nearly 6,700 FFA members across more than 100 chapters and plays a vital role in fostering the next generation of Montana’s agricultural community,” said Rep. Downing. “As a proud member of the FFA caucus, I’m pleased to join 58 of my colleagues in officially recognizing February 21st through 28th as National FFA Week.”
“Since 1928, Nebraska FFA has helped shape our state’s next generation of agricultural leaders, equipping young people with the skills, experience, and passion needed to feed and fuel our world,” said Rep. Smith. “I am proud to cosponsor this year’s National FFA Week resolution and join members across the country in celebrating the extraordinary work of the National FFA Organization. With dedicated young leaders like these stepping forward, I have no doubt the future of American agriculture is bright.”
“Future Farmers of America plays an essential role in developing the next generation of farmers and leaders, ensuring our local agricultural industry can continue to thrive,” said Rep. Valadao. “As a former FFA member, I understand firsthand how valuable this organization is to our community, and I’m proud to honor and recognize their efforts this National FFA Week.”
“FFA made a big impact on my life, instilling leadership skills while I was in high school that I carry with me to this day,” said Chairman Graves. “FFA continues to provide high quality agriculture education, as well as valuable lessons in leadership and personal growth for the next generation and I’m proud to celebrate National FFA Week.”
“I’m proud to cosponsor the National FFA Week resolution and to recognize the extraordinary young leaders who are shaping the future of American agriculture,” said Rep. Cleaver. “During National FFA Week, we celebrate the students who rise before dawn to tend to livestock, who study science and technology in the classroom, and who serve their communities with integrity and grit. FFA is more than an organization, it’s a pathway to leadership, innovation, and opportunity in rural and urban communities alike. As we honor National FFA week, we recommit to supporting the next generation of farmers, ranchers, scientists, and agricultural entrepreneurs who keep our nation fed, fueled, and thriving.”
“Supporting and uplifting our young farmers is key to ensuring we revitalize and strengthen American agriculture,” said Rep. Budzinski. “Future Farmers of America is a vital piece of that puzzle, and National FFA week recognizes the contributions they have made to countless rural communities. Across central and southern Illinois, I’ve had the privilege of meeting the farmers of tomorrow who participate in FFA, and I am confident the future of food and agriculture is in good hands.”
“As we recognize National FFA Week, we celebrate the young men and women who represent the very best of rural America,” said Rep. Moore. “These students aren’t just learning how to farm – they’re learning leadership, responsibility, and the value of hard work. In Alabama’s First Congressional District and across our nation, these future farmers are carrying forward a proud agricultural heritage that feeds and fuels America. I’m grateful for their dedication, their teachers and mentors, and the families who support them. Investing in FFA is investing in the future of American agriculture.”
“National FFA Week is a time to recognize the young men and women who are stepping up to lead the future of American agriculture,” said Rep. Aderholt. “Across Alabama and the nation, FFA members are gaining the skills, character, and work ethic that will strengthen our farms, our communities, and our economy for generations to come. I’m proud to support this resolution honoring the National FFA Organization and the important role it plays in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
“Future Farmers of America has equipped the next generation of agricultural leaders and passing the legacy of farming down to the next generation,” said Rep. Cline. “For nearly a century, students have relied on FFA to gain hands-on experiences in and out of the classroom that prepare them for success in agriculture and beyond. I am proud to recognize National FFA Week and the organization’s vital contributions to rural America through its hundreds of local chapters. From leadership development to technical training and community service, FFA continues to strengthen our communities and invest in the future of agriculture.”
“I am delighted to join Reps. Mann and Panetta in designating this week as National FFA Week to celebrate our future farmers and agricultural leaders,” said Rep. Newhouse. “As a former member of the FFA, I know firsthand how this program helps educate the next generation of agricultural leaders, not only in Central Washington, but around the country. Our Nation’s future depends on young Americans being engaged with and knowledgeable about farming and agricultural sciences, and the FFA does just that through prioritizing knowledge required to address problems faced by rural communities.”
“I’m honored to join my colleagues for this resolution that recognizes FFA students nationwide,” said Rep. Estes. “In my district, and all of Kansas, this program is incredibly important and successful to teach the practices of agriculture from a young age that shapes the next generation of leaders.”
“FFA is raising up the next generation of ag and community leaders here in Nebraska and all across the country,” said Rep. Flood. “Their work is making a huge difference. This week, Congress salutes the FFA chapters in every corner of America that are teaching young leaders the skills they need to be civically engaged and to take the great paying jobs available in our ag economy.”
“I am proud to cosponsor this resolution marking February 21-28 as National FFA Week,” said Rep. Scott. “During this time, we reflect on the impact that the FFA National Organization has had on our agriculture community. The FFA helps to produce the next generation of agricultural leaders for our nation and cultivates future generations of the best growers and producers America has to offer. When you see FFA on a resume, you know that you are hiring a combination of talent and character, that is ready to take on the challenges and lead our country in the future. Happy National FFA Week.“
“The FFA has a long, proud tradition of engaging young Americans eager to grow the crops and livestock which keep our pantries full,” said Rep. Hageman. “The world-class personal and professional development programs of this key organization are curriculums to be admired by every industry. Wyoming’s nearly 5,000 members are the farmers and ranchers of tomorrow carrying the cowboy legacy of grit and determination to feed their neighbors. Recognizing the work of the FFA is critical to cultivating the next generation who will carry on our agricultural heritage as the global breadbasket.”
“National FFA Week is a time when we showcase the collective impact of FFA nationwide,” said National FFA Advisor, Dr. Travis Park. “Throughout FFA, we see our members stepping up as leaders, innovators, and advocates for agriculture. We know this happens, thanks to the dedication of agricultural teachers, FFA Alumni & Supporters, and our many partners. This week, National FFA Week, is when we celebrate the collective agricultural education ecosystem.”
“It is an exciting week for Kansas FFA members, advisors, alumni, and supporters,” said Kansas FFA State President Lillian Hulse. “During National FFA Week, everyone that has been impacted by the organization comes together to reflect on experiences and opportunities they have had in the blue corduroy jacket. The week is commemorated by highlighting the future of agriculture, chapters hosting events, members and alumni sharing memories, and continuing growth of career and leadership development.”
Click here for the text of the resolution.
The National FFA Organization is a congressionally chartered school-based national youth leadership organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,400 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Reps. Mann and Panetta are co-chairs the Congressional FFA Caucus, with more than 60 members. Reps. Mann and Panetta originally launched the Congressional FFA Caucus in December 2021. The caucus serves to raise the profile of school-based agricultural education and FFA and to develop relationships between Congress and the next generation of leaders in food and agriculture.